Premier unveils new plan for Ballarat station precinct

By
MATTHEW DIXON

A MASTERPLAN setting out the future of the Ballarat's railway station was unveiled Thursday.

BALLARAT'S Railway Station precinct will be transformed under a plan to completely refurbish the area.

However, despite launching the masterplan for the area on Thursday, Premier Denis Napthine did not announce any funding to move the project to the construction stage.

The first stage of the project would include moving the bus interchange to the northern side of the train station, improved car parking, a complete refurbishment of the heritage goods shed to turn it into an exhibition space and a public forecourt at the front of the goods shed, which could be used for public markets.

Further projects also include the potential for a four-and-a-half star hotel at the site, along with other private business opportunities.

An internal road would also be constructed linking Nolan and Lydiard Streets.

Dr Napthine said there would be further consultation before the plan was finalised, with funding announcements being considered at the end of the year or early next year.

"This is the launch of the plan so the people of Ballarat and interest groups like Committee for Ballarat and the Ballarat City Council can have their final say on the proposals," he said.

Dr Napthine said it was important to have a tick of approval from the community before funding would be considered.